A good questionnaire should not be too lengthy. Simple English should be used and the question shouldn’t be difficult to answer. A good questionnaire requires sensible language, editing, assessment, and redrafting.
- Is the question significant? - Observe contribution of each question. Does the question contribute for the objective of the study?
- Is there a need for several questions or a single question? - Several questions are asked in the following cases:
- When there is a need for cross-checking
- When the answers are ambiguous
- When people are hesitant to give correct information.
- The respondent may not be fully informed
- The respondent may not remember
- He may be unable to express or articulate
The respondent may be unwilling to answer due to-
- There may be sensitive information which may cause embarrassment or harm the respondent’s image.
- The respondent may not be familiar with the genuine purpose
- The question may appear to be irrelevant to the respondent
- The respondent will not be willing to reveal traits like aggressiveness (For instance - if he is asked “Do you hit your wife, sister”, etc.)
To overcome the respondent’s unwillingness to answer:
- Place the sensitive topics at the end of the questionnaire
- Preface the question with a statement
- Use the third person technique (For example - Mark needed a job badly and he used wrong means to get it - Is it right?? Different people will have different opinions depending upon the situation)
- Categorize the responses rather than asking a specific response figure (For example - Group for income levels 0-25000, 25000-50000, 50000 and above)
- Structured questions- These specify the set of response alternatives and the response format. These can be classified into multiple choice questions (having various response categories), dichotomous questions (having only 2 response categories such as “Yes” or “No”) and scales (discussed already).
- Unstructured questions- These are also known as open-ended question. No alternatives are suggested and the respondents are free to answer these questions in any way they like.
Do you use brand X of shampoo ?
- Yes
- No
How do you deal with non response questionnaires?
How to reduce nonresponse bias.
Keep it short. Simplicity is key. ... .
Set expectations. Tell your customer what they should expect from your survey. ... .
Re-examine timing and distribution method. ... .
Provide an incentive. ... .
Gently remind. ... .
Close the loop..
What do you think are the reasons why respondents are unable to answer the questions being asked?
Respondents are unwilling to respond to questions that they consider inappropriate for the given context. Sometimes the researcher can manipulate the context in which the questions are asked so that the questions can seen appropriate.
How can you help her in improving the interest of her respondents in participating the survey?
Demand Generation.
The Main Message: Make Them Feel Special..
Eye on the Prize: Provide Incentives..
Don't Waste Their Time: Keep Surveys Relevant..
Be Top-of-Mind: Offer Surveys in Multiple Channels..
The Bottom Line: The More Accurate Responses, the Better..
How do you overcome response bias?
How can I reduce Response Bias?.
Ask neutrally worded questions..
Make sure your answer options are not leading..
Make your survey anonymous..
Remove your brand as this can tip off your respondents on how you wish for them to answer..